Riverford celebrates success in Animal Welfare Awards

Riverford ““ the organic delivery company ““ swept the board in the Compassion in World Farming’s Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards.

It was awarded the Good Chicken, Good Egg, Good Dairy and Good Pig titles in recognition of its commitment to farm animal welfare.

Riverford delivers to customers across the North of England, producing fruit and veg for its vegboxes at Riverford on Home Farm near Newby Wiske, North Yorkshire.

Riverford supplier Archdeacon Newton-based Acorn Dairy – which supplies 70% of the milk destined for Riverford on Home Farm’s vegboxes from its herd of Diary Shorthorn Crosses – also achieved a Good Cow award.

The Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards, now in their sixth year, recognise and reward food companies that are committed to implementing substantial policy changes resulting in positive impacts for farm animals.

It’s not the first time that Riverford has been recognised for its dedication to high animal welfare standards. Last year, it was awarded the Best Independent Retailer in the RSPCA Good Business Awards. It takes animal welfare very seriously, both on its own farms and in working with suppliers.

Peter Richardson, farmer at Riverford on Home Farm, said: “We are delighted to have enjoyed such success at the Compassion in World Farming Awards. These awards are testament to Riverford’s commitment to maintaining the highest possible standards of animal welfare, both on our own farms and with our network of partners. The alternative pursuit of cheap produce comes at a high cost to the animal and the environment. Our customers can rest assured that our animals live a fairer and happier life and taste all the better for it.”

Steve McIvor, director of food business, Compassion in World Farming, said: “The awards are a vital tool that allows us to engage and converse with food companies under the banner of recognition and celebration which is very successful in helping us forge strong relationships. We would like to congratulate all of our winners for the huge difference they are making to the lives of thousands of farm animals. We need more businesses to follow their excellent example and keep the momentum going across the industry”.